Prevention is often the best treatment, and this is especially true when it comes to scarring of any kind. Part of what makes scar treatment problematic is that scarring is not caused by a disease. Diseases can be treated by correcting the problem, whether it is a pathogen or a problem with the way that the body is functioning.
Scarring is a natural healing process, and occurs in response to any injury to the skin in an attempt to quickly close any wounds to protect the body from outside pathogens. The evolutionary process has selected in favor of scarring, a cosmetically and functionally imperfect, but fast defense mechanism in order to survive injuries that inevitably occur. One way of looking at it, scarring is not a flaw, but part of the design.
Skin diseases like acne can damage the skin's layers enough to cause scars called acne scarring. The difficulty with scarring is that they are notoriously difficult to correct once formed. Much of the difficulty in correcting scars is that surgical interventions designed to correct scarring will themselves damage the skin, creating new scars.
Although there are several surgical procedures that aim to improve the appearance of scars, they cannot be restored perfectly for this reason. Thus, the best treatment to acne scars is to promptly treat the acne, and to reduce the chances of developing acne scars in the first place.
Prevention is preferable to treating scars that are already formed.
Scars in general are challenging to treat as intervention often results in new scars.
Treating acne quickly and aggressively is recommended to minimize the chance of scar formation. This is especially important if the acne is characterized mainly by pimples rather than whiteheads and blackheads.
Avoid squeezing or picking away at pimples. This practice significantly increases the chances of scarring as it often pushes the infection deeper into the skin.
Never try to squeeze hard inflamed pimples. They should always be left alone.
Acne treatments are plentiful and effective. Acne can and should be treated promptly.
As with any medication, acne treatments should be completed exactly as instructed. Acne treatments are highly effective but at the same time, often fail due to patient non-compliance. Remember that acne treatment will initially take patience, and in some cases may temporarily worsen acne, but will work effectively if you stick with the regimen.
